Buying slabs
Quarter-sawn
Quarter-sawn wood is cut so growth rings sit near vertical to the board face, improving width stability and showing ray fleck in species such as oak.
What it means#
Quarter-sawn boards are sawn so the growth rings meet the face at a steep angle, often close to vertical. In oak, this exposes pale ray fleck across the surface.
Why buyers care#
This orientation usually moves less across the width than flat-sawn wood, which helps for panels and tabletops. Wide quarter-sawn slabs are uncommon because the cut yields narrower boards and more waste, so prices are often higher.
What to check#
Check the end grain photo for ring angle rather than judging from the face grain alone. Compare listed width, thickness, moisture, and flattening allowance before paying a premium.
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